3 Important Lessons from Influential Leaders

Good leaders seem to find a way to reflect upon their experiences, positive and negative, and learn important lessons along the way. After all, history tends to repeat itself when the past is not remembered! Great leaders take this one step further by sharing these valuable lessons with others. In a business environment that encourages collaboration, this kind of mentorship can be indispensable. Through shared knowledge, anyone can feel empowered to lead when the opportunity arises!

With that in mind, let’s take a look at three important business lessons as explained by influential leaders. These lessons come from three different environments – press, advertising and entertainment – but their messages should resonate across all areas of focus:

“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.”

Arianna Huffington, Co-Founder, The Huffington Post

Have you met the chronic oversharer in the office who always seems to talk about how busy they are? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, the slow moving office sloth who appears to take as much time as possible when completing an assignment? When it comes to getting the job done, who’s right?

The short answer is: both! Whether a project takes you an afternoon or an entire month, it’s important to remember that time alone does not necessarily translate to the quality of your work.

“When the ideas are coming, I don’t stop until the ideas stop because that train doesn’t come along all the time.”

Dr. Dre, Founder, Aftermath Entertainment & Beats

Speaking of time, inspiration doesn’t necessarily clock in at 9 and punch out at 5. While it is important to maintain a reasonable work-life balance, allowing all of your influences to charge your career can invigorate your creative process. Education, hobbies, family and friends – any interaction or interest might be a starting point for the next big idea along your career path. When inspiration hits, grab a pen, settle in and let it flow!

“Hire people that are better than you and then leave them to get on with it.”

David Ogilvy, Founder, Ogilvy and Mather

Control is an interesting thing. It can take a long time to feel as though you’re in control of your professional position; mastering the skills needed to succeed in any role takes a whole lot of trial and error! Yet, once we achieve a level of comfort in what we do, it usually means it’s time to move forward, keep challenging yourself and to empower those around you. Nothing shows better leadership than acknowledging the skills of those around you and allowing them to thrive.

Great leaders not only learn lessons, they share them with others! If you have a favorite quote or a comment to add, please join the conversation below.